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We have been discussing up to now the beneficial effects that the extract from the New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel has in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis.

Most of the discussion has related to human sufferers. What about other forms of arthritis, and what about domestic animals?

Taking human subjects first, there are those who experience stiff shoulders or legs every now and again, or perhaps a bad back during cold, damp weather. Others consider that they have developed a case of fibrositis, bursitis, lumbago or allied conditions. In many instances these conditions may be incorrectly self-diagnosed. Reports of treatment of this type of rheumatic complaint with the mussel extract preparation nave been entirely on a subjective basis, no clinical studies having been done up to the present.

The reports in general, however, would indicate that, where the condition is rheumatic, a considerable degree of success may be achieved with this treatment from the sea. Many people have reported that, taking a course of the mussel extract capsules over a period of three or four weeks at the start of the winter period, they have remained free of the usual aches and pains associated with the onset of the colder, damp weather. Others, claiming to be ‘barometers’ (i.e. able to predict wet weather by their aching joints), say that they are unable to do this after treatment with the extract.

Where undiagnosed conditions are involved it is, of course, not possible to give any definite indication of the likely effect of any particular treatment. It is probably sufficient to say that people who usually suffer deterioration in mobility and/or an increase in aches and pains during adverse climatic conditions, or sometimes after unusual exertion, frequently show a positive response to treatment with the mussel extract. In the case of animals that have undiagnosed rheumatic-type conditions (particularly in race-horses), the condition has usually manifested itself in stiffness and pain in the leg and hip joints. The extract seems to be particularly successful in these cases as can readily be seen from the change in their movement and attitude after treatment.

In almost all cases, whether diagnosed or obscure, the beneficial effect with respect to the desire to be active and feeling of well-being is noted.

*20/48/5*

After basic demographic questions-age, family status, and so on – I ask about eating behaviors. I also explore her social life, sexual history and attitudes, and her use of illicit drugs or alcohol. In later conversations we take a closer look at her answers.

Weight: One important area to explore is the patient’s weight history. I ask patients about their “desired weight.” When a patient who weighs 150 pounds says her ideal weight is 110, I will pursue the matter, asking how realistic she thinks that goal is. Often she responds, “Well, I’d like to hit one hundred and ten, but probably the best I could hope for is one hundred and twenty-five. I did get down to one hundred and twenty once, but only for three days. I felt miserable when I started gaining again.”

Patients often recount their weight history in enormous detail, which is not surprising considering they focus on eating every waking moment. Actually, the ability to recall weight history often provides me with a vital number for anorexics: the weight at which they stopped menstruating. In restoring weight, the target weight needs to be above this level if patients are to overcome their phobia about resuming menses.

I also want to learn about her attitudes toward weight. Does her family comment frequently on weight and appearance? One patient traced her disorder to the fact that whenever her father saw a fat woman he said, “Look at that tub of lard!” She was so concerned he would say that about her-and thus stop loving her- that she began to starve herself.

And what about mealtime behavior? What is dinnertime like? Who is present? What turns does the conversation-if any-take?

I also explore her attitude about her body. What is her body image? Is it accurate or distorted? Does she focus on a particular area? Is there a clash between perception and reality?

Behavior: Next I’ll look at the patient’s behavior related to food and eating. What about dieting? Are certain foods “forbidden”? What are her attitudes about weighing herself and looking in the mirror?

Historical context: In family therapy, it is sometimes said that the calendar tells the story. I look to see how the problem evolved over time, and to find events that might have triggered the disorder. These events may include a loss (death of a relative), change (divorce, relocation), or rejection (breakup of a romance). Some details may emerge in conversations with parents. This isn’t to say that the adults’ perspective is better or more accurate than the patient’s. Both points of view are often needed.

Family: I also want to know the patient’s family background. Does she view her parents as strict or uninvolved? Is she starving for attention? Have there been traumatic events-death, separation, loss of a parent’s job?

Thinking patterns: People with eating disorders often display black-and-white thinking: Everything is all one way or the other, with no room for subtle shadings. During the assessment, I listen for such clues so I can orient therapy to correct distorted ways of thinking.

Social milieu: How well does the patient function outside the family? Does she get along at school or on the job? Does she have friends? A lover? What else is there in her life besides the eating disorder? Obviously, if there is nothing else, giving up her behavior will be that much harder.

Substance abuse: Use of illicit drugs and alcohol severely complicates an eating disorder. I will always ask: Do you use alcohol or drugs? How often? How much? I try to avoid sounding like a prosecutor, but I have to know the facts if I am to be of any help. Detoxification is a critical element in managing eating disorders.

Suicidal feelings: As with substance abuse, if a troubled patient doesn’t bring up the subject of suicidal thoughts, then I will make a point of asking about them directly.

*54/35/5*

In 1996, when Linda Christopher began walking during her lunch hour, she didn’t foresee the profound impact that it would have on her life. Sure, she lost weight—her real purpose from the start. But along the way, she reconnected with nature, reaffirmed her faith in God, and rediscovered herself.

Back then, Linda was grappling with a lifelong weight problem that seemed to grow worse as she got older. She was fed up with dieting and with losing and regaining the same pounds. “I stopped weighing myself when I hit 184 pounds,” says the 41-year-old teacher from Garwood, New Jersey. “But I know that I got even heavier, because I could barely fit into my size-18 clothes.”

Her too-small wardrobe only reinforced Linda’s dissatisfaction with how she looked and felt. It gave her the incentive to make some positive changes in her life.

“I just reached a point where I couldn’t handle it anymore,” she continues. “Instead of dwelling on weight loss, I shifted my focus to a healthier lifestyle.”

With that goal clear in her mind, Linda began to improve her eating habits. She tried hard to rein in her stress-induced binges. And if she felt that she had to eat something, she chose crunchy carrots or an apple instead of cookies or chips.

For exercise, she swam a couple of times of week at a local YMCA. And every day on her lunch break, she took a 20-minute walk through a nearby park. Those walks evolved into mini-spiritual journeys as Linda found herself using the time to commune with nature. “I had always enjoyed being outside, but between work and other activities, I had gotten away from it,” she ^ explains. “Those lunchtime walks helped me rediscover my love of the outdoors. There were so many sights and sounds and smells that I had forgotten.”

Amid all of that natural splendor, Linda experienced a sort of spiritual reawakening. Her faith in God deepened, and she felt more at peace with herself. “Walking was as good for my mind and spirit as for my body,” she says. “I felt so much better, and in ways that I never expected.”

Linda came to treasure her lunchtime walks so much that they gradually stretched from 20 minutes to an hour. Within 6 months, she lost more than 30 pounds. Out went those size 18s, replaced with size 12s.

Linda has maintained her weight at a healthy 154 pounds ever since. She has become such an avid outdoorswoman that she leads hikes for her local YMCA. Every Sunday morning, she spends at least an hour wandering the woods near her home—reconnecting with nature, with God, and with herself.

“I feel much better physically—and as a bonus, I’ve gotten back in touch with my spirituality,” she says. “That has made all the difference in my health and my life.”

WINNING ACTION

Transform your walk into a moving meditation. Walking is a wonderfully simple exercise for losing weight and getting fit. With its rhythmic pace, it can become meditative, especially when you’re alone. Use that time for personal reflection and renewal. It not only makes your workout go faster but it also mentally and spiritually rejuvenates you.

*108\89\8*

As far as the medical establishment is concerned, chemotherapy—the use of drugs to fight disease—is an almost holy word. As a group, we doctors love to prescribe drugs. If chemotherapy led to good health it might be worthwhile, but we’ve been fed a bill of goods. Chemotherapy does not keep us healthy. If these drugs are as good as doctors claim, how come so many millions and millions of Americans are still afflicted with disease?

Chemotherapy, with its failed promises and often dangerous side effects, is a harsh reaction to disease that should never have occurred. And chemotherapy encourages us to neglect our health. Why take care of ourselves? All we have to do is run to a doctor and get a shot of the new wonder drug, right? Wrong! It was a wise person who said that if we threw all our medicines into the ocean, we’d be better off, but the fish would be in trouble.

“Dr. Fox, you’re not being fair. Lots of medicines are pretty good,” a patient argued the other day. Yes, some medicines work well. We will always need medicines and surgeries for those who do become ill or injure themselves. In some cases, the risk of side effects is outweighed by the compelling need for immediate relief. Most of us, however, most of the time, would be well advised to leave drugs to the fish.

Instead of relying on chemotherapy to treat disease, let’s adopt a new philsophy: Nutri-Prevention.

Nutri-Prevention relies not on drugs but nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and amino acids (the building blocks of protein), to keep your immune system in shape. While chemotherapy makes your body the battleground that disease and drugs ravage as they struggle for dominance, Nutri-Prevention helps turn your immune system into a mighty shield against disease.

*156\80\8*

Now tighten up the muscles of your mouth. Grimace. Show your teeth, and tighten up the muscles around your mouth and the front of your neck. Tilt your chin up. Now, with your teeth still bared, open your lips as wide as you can. Hold them open, teeth clenched, as you also tighten your cheek and neck muscles. Teeth clenched, cheeks and neck tight, lips pulled open, hold these muscles tight while you count: one thousand … two thousand . .. three thousand . .. four thousand . .. five thousand … six thousand … seven thousand … eight thousand . .. nine thousand … ten thousand. Count slowly. Slowly relax your lips, jaw, cheek and neck muscles. Take in a deep breath through your nose, filling your lungs as you feel your diaphragm pulling down to open your lungs and make room for the air.

Hold the breath for a moment. Now let it go very slowly, taking at least five seconds to let it all out.

Take another breath. Fill your lungs. Feel your diaphragm pulling down to open your lungs wide. In your mind’s eye, see your diaphragm dropping down as your lungs fill.

Now repeat. Tighten the muscles of your mouth, clench your teeth and grimace. Tilt your chin up and tighten the muscles around your mouth and in the front of your neck. Hold that for a moment, then open your lips as wide as you tighten your cheek and neck muscles. Hold those muscles tight while you count, slowly: one thousand . . . two thousand .. . three thousand . . . four thousand .. . five thousand … six thousand … seven thousand . .. eight thousand .. . nine thousand . .. ten thousand. Slowly relax your jaw, lips, cheek and neck muscles. Take a deep breath in through your nose … a nice, deep breath. Feel your diaphragm pulling down to open your lungs wide. See, in your mind’s eye, your diaphragm dropping down as your lungs fill.

Hold the breath for a moment. Now let it out through your mouth very slowly, taking at least five seconds to empty your lungs.

Take another deep breath, filling up your lungs.

Hold it for a moment. Now let it out, very slowly. Take five seconds or more to blow it all out.

The muscles of your mouth and the front of your neck now feel light and relaxed.

*114\80\8*

MIXED SPROUTS AND RAISINS

Sprouted beans and peas are tasty, high in vitamin C, and add crunch to your foods. Buy mixed sprouts (or sprout your own), including mung bean sprouts, azuki bean sprouts, lentil sprouts, pea sprouts and radish sprouts.

Fill a small bowl with the mixed sprouts. Add raisins to taste. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds or chopped peanuts or almonds. Eat and enjoy. My son Barry likes to eat mixed sprouts and raisins with a small slice of low-fat mozzarella cheese and a piece of whole-wheat bread.

MIXED BEANS

Mixed beans, with or without lentils, can be eaten by themselves or as part of a meal. My wife Hannah always keeps a big pot of six or seven kinds of cooked beans in the refrigerator, ready to be heated or eaten cold as part of a salad.

How long it takes beans to cook depends on whether, and how long, you presoak them. To presoak beans, rinse them, and then place in a pot with about three times as much water as beans. Let stand for several hours. When my wife cooks beans, she puts them in a pot with three cups of water for every cup of beans. She puts the slower-cooking beans in first, adding the quicker-cooking ones a little later. The water is brought to a boil, the beans are added, covered, and left to simmer over a low heat. She checks the water occasionally, adding more if necessary.

*71\80\8*

Nature has packed an amazing variety of nutrients into the appealing packages we call food. When you look at an apple, you don’t think about the carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and other nutrients it contains. You see and taste an apple.

As soon as you bite into the apple, however, you begin to “unwrap” the package. Chewing continues the process, which is completed by the enzymes in your mouth, stomach and intestines. Soon, the package is completely unwrapped. No longer an apple, it is now a collection of the nutrients that go into the making of an apple. It’s the ingredients, not the apple itself, that are absorbed into your body, and many of these ingredients are a big help to our “doctor within.” Others, however, are a mixed blessing, and some are outright harmful. Let’s look at the helpful ones first.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are indispensable tools for your “doctor within,” performing innumerable jobs in every cell of your body. They keep your bones and muscles strong, your skin clear and smooth. They also help fight cellular poisons, prevent unnecessary blood clotting, allow your brain to communicate with the rest of your body, heal wounds, fight bacteria and viruses, promote growth, form red blood cells and dispose of body wastes. You name it, vitamins and minerals are involved.

*27\80\8*

Sceptics might suggest that we have deliberately chosen to describe trials that support our ‘case’ – ignoring trials with negative results unless they had some obvious flaw, for example. In fact, the studies described here are not a carefully chosen selection – they represent the major scientific trials of food intolerance carried out in the UK during the 1980s. Although a few studies of this sort have been carried out elsewhere in the world, there is little doubt that the United Kingdom is a major centre for serious, scientific research on food intolerance at the present time.

We believe that the studies which produced no evidence for food intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome are both seriously flawed. The doctors earning out these studies are sceptical of the whole idea, and this has led them to disregard some important aspects of food intolerance – that it is vital to exclude all the likely foods at once, that wheat and citrus fruits are common culprits, and that normal-sized portions are usually needed to provoke a reaction during testing. The number of patients studied in these trials was small, and in the case of the IBS trial, they may not have been representative.

No medical trial is ever perfect, and various criticisms can be made of the three trials that showed a good response to an elimination diet. But they are all fairly minor criticisms, and they do not invalidate the overall findings. The doctors who carried out these trials were well aware of the controversial nature of their approach, and all took special care to design their trials very carefully. Moreover, some of the doctors who planned these trials believed that they would not see any response, or that it would be a placebo effect if they did. Their own results changed their minds.

*115\180\8*

Yet, today, obedience is more necessary than ever before if a child’s desires are to be curbed and not become too demanding. A child who has learned to be obedient and comply with his parents’ wishes will only have to train himself in the practice of moderation, whereas badly brought up children who always get their own way succumb hopelessly to the gripping power of television. This is much more dangerous than many parents may think, because a growing child who is allowed to absorb anything he likes, without restrictions, is left to the mercy of bad influences. So, if parents do not set a good example in all they do and say, they can hardly expect self-control from their children. Where self-discipline is lacking it would be much better not to have a television at all.

*1191/28/1*

Only recently I heard from a mother whose child came down with an extremely dangerous form of poisoning after eating sprayed grapes.

Another report came from a woman in her sixties who loves the grapes from the Ticino canton in Switzerland. Although she should have known better, she would eat the grapes that obviously still had traces of pesticide on them and then, without fail, would suffer from digestive upsets accompanied by strong fermentation in the bowels. At first she thought that the problem was caused by eating too much raw sauerkraut, but as soon as the grape season came to an end so did her intestinal trouble, even though she continued to enjoy eating sauerkraut regularly. Moreover, she only consumed sauerkraut obtained from a reliable source, which was prepared in a natural way and not detrimental to health. These facts pointed directly to the sprayed grapes from Ticino as the cause of her upset.

*1122/28/1*